Is Retin-A Gel 0.01% the Same As Retin-A Cream 0.01%?

It's not clear which product is causing the redness and burning.  Retin A can certainly do that if applied too frequently or to very sensitive skin.  As far as Cetaphil Restoraderm is concerned, if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, it may give the same pictures as you...

Retin A, (aka Tretinoin cream, retinoic acid), is a strong compound that increases skin cell shedding, collagen production, and skin vascularity. It can "bring to the surface" plugs that are in the oil glands, (hence the acne "flare"), and this is a phase and does pass. Every...

What you are describing is an irritation around the eyes due to Retin A.  Skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most delicate skin on the body.  It gets irritated easily. In general I recommend that patients start slowly with a low dose of Retin A, like 0.025% cream and build up...

Retin A (tretinoin), made by Ortho Dermatologics, is a very effective product for acne (particularly blackheads and whiteheads) as well as for improving minor wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and sun damage. Retin A increases the epidermal cell turnover and increases the shedding of dead skin...

Retinoids (Retin-A is a brand name) can be used to thicken the second layer of skin called the dermis. It can take up to one year to see noticeable changes but the top part of the skin (the dead cell layer) will be nicely exfoliated quickly (can lead to initial redness and peeling) and so the...

Retin-A is not a skin lightener.  A better bet would be to use hydroquinone 4% twice daily on the darkened area you wish to treat.